Bryson is one of the many players to have started their careers in the Scottish Premier League and found a home in the Football League. Derby County were delighted to sign their player of last season to a new five-year contract this season and will be hoping he can add to his 15 goals and 13 assists this season.

Patrick Roberts, Fulham

Seventeen-year-old striker-cum-winger Roberts made his Premier League debut for Fulham last season, but can expect a bigger role now the Cottagers have stepped down a division. The England youth international will have to grow up fast.

Adam Le Fondre, Cardiff City

Le Fondre’s early days at Reading suggested he might not have been cut out for the Premier League but he has plenty of pedgiree at Football League level. A good season for his new club Cardiff City might earn him another crack at the big time.

Where will Gateshead finish?

Gary Mills has a proven track record of getting teams out of the Conference. He fell at the final hurdle last season but after a wide-ranging revamp of his squad, expect them to make the play-offs again.

STEVE BROWN:

Three Conference players to watch:

James Constable, Eastleigh

“Pained” by his Oxford United exit, the 29-year-old has a point to prove at the nouveau riche Spitfires. Top scorer for the U’s for six seasons, he is bookies’ favourite to top the Conference goalscoring charts. Jon Shaw is 33/1 with some.

Patrick McLaughlin, Grimsby Town

Very much a Gary Mills-type of footballer, the former Newcastle United starlet - a neat, creative midfielder - played under the Heed boss at York City and will want to make amends for missing last season’s Play-Off semi-finals.

Andy Monkhouse, Bristol Rovers

Relegated Rovers are favourites to win the Conference, moreso since recruiting Monkhouse following his release by Hartlepool United. Even at 33, his goalscoring contribution from the flanks should remain significant at this level.

Where will Gateshead finish?

The Play-Offs, at least. What Mills pulled off last season without a regular, recognised goalscorer was close to miraculous. With one - in, fingers crossed, Jon Shaw - a miracle shouldn’t be necessary.

MARK DOUGLAS: (@msidouglas)

Danny Batth, Wolverhampton Wanderers

This young centre-half walked through League One last season with barely a scratch on him, attracting covetous glances from Aston Villa and Swansea City among others. The 23-year-old really profited from Wolves’ relegation, which forced them into moving away from a crop of highly-paid former Premier League players and towards their neglected Academy. If he proves himself in the Championship, he’ll surely be in the Premier League next year.

Dele Alli, MK Dons

Still the most exciting talent in League One. Newcastle and Sunderland have both watched the explosive midfielder who has the stature and ability to go all the way. Now 18, this is a big year for a player who should be playing regularly from now on.

Karl Darlow, Nottingham Forest

Forest goalkeeper is on the brink of moving to Newcastle and there will be pressure on him from the first whistle this season. Luckily the 23-year-old has the attitude and confidence to handle it. If the stars align in a certain way, he may well be Newcastle’s first choice next season.

Where will Gateshead finish?

A big ask for Gary Mills to repeat the feat with Gateshead in what looks like a very, very competitive Conference this year. So many fallen Football League clubs lie in wait that predicting a promotion push feels a tad presumptious. Mills remains Gateshead’s greatest asset but he has recruited well in the summer and they should be comfortable in the top ten.